James L. McKernan

1936 - 2022

James L. McKernan

South Sioux City, formerly Concord, Neb.

James L. McKernan, 85, of South Sioux City and formerly of Concord passed away on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at a local hospital.

Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Chapel in South Sioux City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

James was born on March 20, 1936, in South Sioux City to Elwin and Eva (Sterling) McKernan. On April 27, 1954 he married Joann Hansjosten in South Sioux City. The two were just shy of celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary, and both were incredibly proud of the time they were married. He lived in South Sioux City for most of his life, until he and Joann moved to Concord, Neb. They lived in Concord for over 20 years before returning to South Sioux City a few years ago.

James was a Jack of all trades. He owned and operated Lakeside Welding for many years, worked in maintenance for Krause Camper Sales, and worked in maintenance for Morningside University, to name a few.

Growing up, James was a member of the Boy Scouts, and he and Joann were members of the Coachmen Camper Club for many years.

In his spare time, James loved traveling, camping, riding motorcycles, boating, and fishing; he was a collector of many things, and loved to build a variety of items. He absolutely cherished his tools. He also enjoyed attending events for his family members.

He was an animal lover, especially dogs, and always had a dog in the family.

He is survived by his wife Joann; daughter Terri (Terry) Hexamer of Alton, Iowa, and their children Rebecca, Steve (Samantha), Brenda (David), Shawn, Ethan, and Joey; daughter Jodi (Chris) Imafidon of Scottsdale, Ariz., and their children Alexander, Nicole, and Victoria; daughter Lynda (Don) Ferris of South Sioux City and their children Michael, Jeremiah, Angela, James (Amanda), and Donald (Jenny); grandson, Joshua (Lael) McKernan; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers Robert (Karen) McKernan, Dennis McKernan, and Kevin (Shelly) Arnold; sisters Ellen Perdu, Elaine Moore, Pat Kampfe, and Veronica Grijalba; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James McKernan; granddaughter, Catherine Simmons; brother, Richard McKernan; and stepfather, Edwin Arnold.